FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
national youth leadership council Announces 38th Annual National Service-Learning Conference®
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The national youth leadership council (nylc) announces that registration is officially open for the 38th Annual National Service-Learning Conference® (#SLC27), taking place March 22–24, 2027, at the McNamara Alumni Center in Minneapolis. This year’s theme, “Picture this: Where learning meets leadership,” calls on educators, youth leaders, community partners, and changemakers to turn service into meaningful learning, leadership, and lasting community impact.
For more than three decades, the National Service-Learning Conference has brought together people who believe young people are not simply the leaders of tomorrow, they are leaders today. Attendees will learn from one another, discover new approaches, celebrate what’s working, and return home inspired and equipped to create change. Whether new to service-learning or engaged in the work for years, attendees leave with practical strategies, fresh ideas, new relationships, and renewed energy for engaging young people in meaningful service and civic action.
#SLC27 will feature plenary sessions, workshops, lightning talks, a student showcase, exhibits, an awards program, a dedicated youth room, and a day of service, offering multiple ways for attendees to learn, connect, and lead. The conference welcomes youth; K-12 teachers, principals, assistant principals, and other administrators; school counselors; afterschool program leaders and staff; national service organizations; community-based organization staff; higher education faculty, administrators, and researchers; AmeriCorps members; and anyone who believes in the power of young people, youth voice, or service-learning.
nylc is now accepting proposals and applications for several conference opportunities. The Call for Workshop Proposals closes September 18, 2026. Lightning Talk Proposals and Student Showcase Applications close October 9, 2026. Award Nominations close November 2, 2026. Exhibitor Applications close February 9, 2027.
Registration for #SLC27 is open now at slc27nylc-org.softr.app/register.
About the National Service-Learning Conference®
The National Service-Learning Conference® is the country’s largest gathering dedicated to service-learning, youth leadership, and civic engagement, convening educators, youth, and community partners to advance practices that connect service to meaningful learning.
About the national youth leadership council
For more than 40 years, the national youth leadership council has been a leader in service-learning and civic engagement, working to ensure young people have the opportunities and support to lead change in their schools and communities.
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Isabella Sullivan, Marketing and Events Coordinator, [email protected]
